Chapter 786

Furukawa Masahiro gently stroked his snow-white long beard, his eyes full of appreciation and satisfaction.

"Natsume-kun, you won this game beautifully."

"I especially admire your chess style of returning every grievance and paying back tooth for tooth."

He paused, his tone carrying the pride of an older generation chess player.

"For those third-rate trash who don't know the immensity of heaven and earth and only rely on sharp tongues, one should use this kind of overbearing method to crush their pride."

Natsume Chikage nodded at him, a hint of understanding added to his smile.

"Mm, that's exactly what I think."

Horikawa Kaori still seemed a bit unable to collect her thoughts; she patted her chest and let out a long breath.

"Natsume-kun, really... congratulations."

"I still find it a bit unbelievable... that you actually won with a crushing victory."

"The opponent was a second-dan in the Promotion Association... that's an opponent far beyond my reach, and you actually..."

Her eyes were filled with shock and heartfelt admiration.

Asahina Xiaoyue's gaze had been firmly glued to Natsume Chikage from the moment he appeared.

At this moment, that gaze was so soft it seemed it could drip water, and her cheeks were slightly flushed.

Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of shyness and apology.

"Congratulations, Natsume-kun."

"Actually... at first I was really worried, thinking this would be a bitter struggle."

"Now it seems I underestimated you too much."

Tianbian Youren took in all of Asahina Xiaoyue's subtle expressions.

The complex sourness in his heart was quickly replaced by a sense of relief that "it was as expected" and the satisfaction that the plan was proceeding smoothly.

This is good...

Xiaoyue's gaze, as expected, would only follow him.

He also followed with a smile and sincerely congratulated him:

"Congratulations, Natsume-kun. You won really beautifully."

Fukuda Si crossed his arms and slanted a glance at Natsume Chikage.

He let out an almost inaudible hum from his nose.

His tone sounded reluctant, yet carried a hint of awkwardness at having to admit it.

"Hmph... I'll congratulate you for now, then."

"But don't get happy too early, this was only the first battle."

"The result of the second battle hasn't come out yet."

"If you lose, you still won't get the prize money for this round, and your previous efforts will have been half in vain."

These words were like a small pebble thrown into the atmosphere that had just been overflowing with joy.

The smile on Horikawa Kaori's face immediately faded, replaced by worry.

"Ah... Mr. Fukuda is right."

She looked at Natsume Chikage, her eyes becoming tense again.

"This time it's a special double-header... winning the first battle is good, but the second battle is also key."

"Natsume-kun, you must keep working hard! We will support you with all our might!"

Asahina Xiaoyue also immediately clenched her small fists and nodded forcefully.

"Mm! Natsume-kun, please be sure to maintain your condition and win the second battle!"

Furukawa Caixu shook Natsume Chikage's arm even harder.

"Big brother will definitely be fine! Caixu believes in you!"

Facing everyone's concern and exhortations, Natsume Chikage nodded slightly.

"Thank you, everyone."

"I will give my all in the second battle as well."

Just as Natsume Chikage had sat down and hadn't had time to enjoy a moment of peace,

the screen in the center of the venue switched images.

A new winner was born.

"Contestant Suzuki Takayuki, winner!"

Accompanied by the electronic synthesized voice announcement, Suzuki Takayuki's slightly tired but hard-to-hide excited face appeared on the screen.

As well as Fukuda Kangyu opposite him—that twelve-year-old brat, who was dejectedly lowering his head, his small face written full of disappointment and unwillingness, his fists quietly clenched.

The spectator area did not cause much of a stir.

The vast majority of people felt this was a matter of course.

Suzuki Takayuki was a third-dan in the Promotion Association, a "quasi-professional" chess player just one step away from being a professional.

While Fukuda Kangyu was only a first-dan in the Promotion Association.

The chasm in strength brought about by the difference in rank is, in most cases, difficult to overcome.

This result, I'm afraid, even Fukuda Kangyu himself had anticipated before the start of the match.

Not long after,

Suzuki Takayuki walked with light steps back to this area.

His face carried a satisfied smile after winning.

His good brother Tianbian Youren was the first to go up and pat his shoulder hard.

"Congratulations, Takayuki! Well done!"

Asahina Xiaoyue also looked at him with a smile.

"Congratulations, Takayuki."

"Keep working hard in the next match too!"

Furukawa Masahiro and the others also offered simple congratulations out of politeness.

After all, they were acquaintances, so basic etiquette had to be maintained.

Natsume Chikage naturally also offered congratulations.

Although Suzuki Takayuki had once issued a challenge to him, that was an open and above-board challenge, completely different from the sinister mockery of Private Tianhao.

His impression of Suzuki Takayuki could not be called close, but at least it was peaceful.

"Congratulations on your victory, Suzuki-kun."

Suzuki Takayuki was surrounded by his good friend and the person he liked, and was in a great mood.

"Thank you! Thank you everyone! I will continue to work hard!"

However,

his smile suddenly stalled when his gaze swept over Natsume Chikage, who was sitting quietly to the side.

His brain seemed to be a beat slow.

He suddenly realized something was wrong.

"Wait..."

He blinked and looked at Natsume Chikage, his tone carrying obvious confusion.

"Natsume-kun... how did you return here earlier than me?"

"Your match... is already over?"

Asahina Xiaoyue immediately took over the conversation, her tone carrying a sense of pride.

"That's right! Natsume-kun's match ended a long time ago."

She looked at Natsume Chikage, her eyes shining brightly.

"And... he won against Contestant Morimoto Yuki with a crushing posture."

"Crushing...?"

Suzuki Takayuki repeated the word, the confusion on his face quickly replaced by astonishment.

He was stunned for a full few seconds.

His brain raced, trying to understand this information.

Natsume Chikage... won against Morimoto Yuki?

That Morimoto, the second-dan in the Promotion League with the impressive strength?